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Lucky fans who trooped to the lobby lounge of the Edsa Shangri-la Hotel yesterday afternoon were in for a big treat as they got to hobnob and share cocktails with the hottest Kapamilya stars in one of the glitziest launch parties of the year. Fans and celebrities alike were seen excitedly checking out their newly printed copies of the Star Magic 2009 catalogue which were being sold at the venue. Early birds Sam Milby, Piolo Pascual, Vina Morales and Maja Salvador were seen making the rounds, gamely signing autographs and taking photos with avid fans. “I thought it would be a simple celebration. I didn’t imagine there would be this many people. It’s very exciting,” Claudine Barretto exclaims aupon arriving at the red carpet.
PBB Teens Robi, Valerie, Josef, and Alex also arrived at the hotel together after a brief autograph signing at the launch in SM Megamall. Claudine Barretto was seen with a very low-key looking husband Raymart in tow, quietly enjoying the cocktail party in one corner. They were later joined by good friend and Iisa Pa Lamang co-star Diether Ocampo. Brazilian beauties Priscilla Meirelles and Marianna del Rio were obviously happy to be at the event even though they both arrived without escorts. Another noticeable presence was Baron Geisler, who was excitedly sharing his newly-hatched socio-civic project. Jake Cuenca was seen being chided by his co-Coverboys Jon Avila,Victor Basa and Zanjoe Marudo for wondering out loud if his ex Roxanne Guinoo would be coming. The Ligaw na Bulaklak star did arrive shortly thereafter and the two were surprisingly friendly, hanging out at the same table for some time. The Coverboys share their bonding activities like chilling out at bars or playing a challenging game of soccer during weekends. “I feel privileged to be part of this Star Magic family. To be included in a catalogue with these celebrities. They’re the cream of the crop. Star Magic really handpicks their talents and it’s such an honor to be there and to be here, partying with them. I loved my photo in there. I think it came out really good. It’s a really nice catalogue. I know the people will like it,” Jon Avila shares.
- I Love Betty La Fea cast members Megan Young and Thou Reyes also gamely took interviews from the press invitees. The recently-launched Star Magic Circle batch 16 members were also there in full force. Young stars Andi Eigenmann, Lauren Young, Isabelle Abiera, Dino Imperial, Chris Gutierrez, Alwyn Uytingco and Janus Del Prado were seen hanging out and enjoying the party. Lovebirds Carla Humphries and John James Uy arrived and left together, but mingled with everyone during the launch. Opposite can be said about PBB couple Bruce Quebral and Wendy Valdez who arrived separately, but barely left each other’s side during the entire event. PDA exes Yeng Constanino and RJ Miranda were friendly but were noticeably at opposite ends of the lounge throughout the party. One of Yeng’s reported admirers, Carlo Ledesma surprisingly didn’t hang out with the talented singer. Iisa Pa Lamang resident bad girl Angelica Panganiban, and I Love Betty La Fea star Bea Alonzo dropped by for a short visit but left discreetly afterwards. Gal pals Bangs Garcia and Nene Tamayo were walking around, chatting with old and new friends. Last but not the least were John Lapus (who tried to follow after finishing his weekend celebrity gossip show), Jason Abalos and Erich Gonzales (the latter two had a mall show earlier that afternoon in another mall).